Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

CrimeSceneInvestigator

What Does it Take to Become a Crime Scene Investigator?

The job of a crime scene investigator is by no means an easy one. You must be physically and mentally tough and prepared to take on even the most difficult of situations. You may have to work long days in which you will be required to concentrate for extended periods of time, and you will need to be physically fit to endure standing and kneeling for hours at a crime scene. Without question, it certainly takes a strong, determined person to enter the field of crime scene investigation.

Duties: The duties of a crime scene investigator include meticulously examining the scene of a crime by means of taking measurements and photographing and collecting evidence that can be used to identify the culprit. Occasionally, a CSI will be called to testify in court as an expert witness. If this happens, he or she will have to prepare a report about the evidence and its meaning and then be able to communicate that to the jury in terms that they will be able to understand.

Schooling and Certifications: Most CSIs have at least a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or Criminology. Often, those in the latter two majors will take courses that emphasize the science of forensics and investigative processes. Once a degree is earned, many people will become police officers and then work their way up to a CSI position; others can become un-sworn officers, most often working with the FBI on cases. As for certifications, there are requirements that one can complete in order to become a Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI) or a Certified Crime Scene Analyst (CCSA) through the International Association for Identification (IAI).

Salary: A CSI generally can make $25,000-$55,000 per year, with the average salary being $50,310. Salaries of close to $100,000 are rare, but not unheard of when having a status such as Criminalist.

Work Conditions: Typically, crime scene investigators will work a regular 8-hour shift but are often called in to work overtime when needed to investigate a scene at any given time, day or night. Work conditions on the job are not for the faint of heart – a CSI will be called to crime scenes involving burglary, homicide, and sexual assault, just to name a few possible situations. After gathering evidence in the field, he or she might then spend a long day in the office examining what was collected. However, all of the hard work, dedication, and long days put into working a crime scene will be well worth it when the evidence collected convicts the suspect, which puts one more criminal behind bars.